Abstract

Background and objective: Chamomile has been used as an herbal medication since ancient times and is still popular until today. This study aimed to investigate the potential anticytotoxic effect of chamomile extract on the lingual mucosa of rabbits treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Methods: Thirty six rabbits were used in the study. For induction of tongue mucositis for the study group, 5-FU at a dose of (4 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally one time daily for five successive days. The control animals were intraperitoneally injected by normal saline one time daily for five successive days. The rats in each group were randomly divided into two groups: Distilled water and chamomile extract treated groups (9 animals each). A volume of distilled water equal to chamomile extract was given by gavage tube, while the other group was gavaged with chamomile extract at a dose of (100 mg/ kg) one time daily. The treatment with distilled water or the chamomile extract was continued for sixteen days and then the animals were sacrificed, and the tongues were excised for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Conclusion: Chamomile extract at a dose of (100 mg/ kg) one time daily for sixteen days cannot be used for the treatment of oral mucositis. It causes damage to the tissue, decreases proliferation, and increases apoptosis.